Top Shelf: A Hockey Blog

The Hockey Shop's latest blogs and articles featuring reviews of the most sought after hockey and goalie equipment. Detailed guides on the basics of hockey, and updates on current events in the world of hockey.

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Close-up of the Project X Smoke logo on the stick

TRUE Project X Smoke Hockey Stick Review

In celebration of their ten-year anniversary, TRUE is debuting the 2024 iteration of their Project X series equipment. We’ll be taking a look at the...

Katie Lakusta
Bauer Hyperlite 2 Goalie Pads Review

Bauer HyperLite2 Goalie Pads: Long-term Review

New for 2023, Bauer released the successor to their ever-popular Vapor Hyperlite line. Through new features and technology, the HyperLite 2 brings the Vapor name...

Cedric Hastings
Philadelphia Flyers in Cooperalls

Hockey History: What were Cooperalls, and Why Were They Banned?

The Hockey Shop enjoys delving into the history of hockey gear— and examining what stood the test of time and what may have fell short....

Katie Lakusta
hockey player holding a SYNC stick in the dressing room

Hockey Stick Science: Why does my hockey stick break?

Every modern composite stick is measured and classified by multiple different factors: flex, curve, kick point, etc. These factors allow them to be more powerful...

Katie Lakusta
hockey player looking at his AS-V Pro hockey stick

Hockey Stick Basics: Guide to Kick Points

Selecting the perfect stick can be tough— but understanding stick kick points can really help when figuring out a starting point on this subject. Each...

Katie Lakusta
close up of a hockey player's Mach skates

Hockey Skate Sharpening: Precision for Peak Performance

If your skates aren’t up to par, then that could greatly hinder your performance on the ice— it’s important to keep them maintained and sharpened,...

Katie Lakusta
detail image of Project X logo on the stick

TRUE Project X Stick Review

In 2021, TRUE came out with the limited edition Project X stick. Now for 2023, the iconic stick is back— the original Project X was...

Katie Lakusta
detail image of AG5NT goal stick paddle

Bauer AG5NT Goal Stick Review

Bauer continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in a stick with their new AG5NT goal stick. The latest innovative goalie hockey stick...

Katie Lakusta
hyperlite 2 hockey stick shaft and logo

The New Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 Stick: An In-Depth Gear Review

In this review, we explore the features of the reimagined Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2, a stick that promises to take your game to a whole...

Mike Ball
person doing maintenance on a hockey skate

Equipment Maintenance: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hockey Gear

Hockey gear can be quite the investment, but with proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan significantly. In this guide, we will take you through...

Katie Lakusta
Close-up of Bauer Nexus hockey sticks with black and blue design, The Hockey Shop equipment

Hockey Stick Basics: Shaft and Materials

Over the years, the materials used to make hockey sticks have evolved; some materials stood the test of time, whereas some are best left forgotten....

Katie Lakusta
Rainbow pride flag waving in a city street, colorful symbol of LGBTQ+ community support

Pride Month - Hockey is for Everyone

At the Hockey Shop, we believe strongly that Hockey is for Everyone. This article hopes to educate on Pride Month and the Hockey is for...

Katie Lakusta
Hands tying Bauer MACH hockey skate laces, close-up from The Hockey Shop equipment selection

Lace Bite in Hockey Players: Causes and Treatment

Hockey is constantly changing and getting faster and faster—and your feet and legs need to be in optimal condition if you want to keep up...

Katie Lakusta
Hockey player wearing red CCM gloves and black gear from The Hockey Shop

CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro Glove Review

Are you in search of the perfect pair of hockey gloves to take your game to the next level? Look no further than the new...

Katie Lakusta
Hockey player wearing CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro chest protector, close-up, in locker room.

CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro Protectives Review

Get ready to take your game to the next level with the latest addition to the Jetspeed family—the FT6 Pro protective line is designed with...

Katie Lakusta
Man in vintage Vancouver Canucks jersey holding hockey puck at arena event, TheHockeyShop.com

Local Hero: Remembering Gino Odjick

On January 15, 2023, the hockey world mourned the loss of community leader and ex-Canuck Gino Odjick. Odjick was well-known both during the time he...

Katie Lakusta